Comparative analysis of semen quality parameters and their relationship with fertility in different genetic groups of layer chicken Mavi Gurjot Kaur1, Dubey P.P.1,*, Cheema Ranjna S.2, Dash S.K.1, Bansal B.K.1 Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana-141 004, Punjab, India 1Department of Animal Genetics and Breeding, Directorate of Livestock Farms, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana-141 004, Punjab, India 2Department of Veterinary Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Ludhiana-141 004, Punjab, India *Corresponding author's e-mail: prakashagb@gmail.com
Online published on 16 November, 2019. Abstract The present study was conducted to characterize the semen quality parameters in roosters of three genetic groups viz. Rhode Island Red (RIR), Punjab Red and RIR X local cross. The roosters for each genetic group were also evaluated for fertility rate. There was no significant difference in color, pH and abnormalities among different genetic groups. RIR X local cross had significant higher (p<0.01) ejaculate volume (0.51±0.02 ml vs. 0.27±0.01 and 0.30±0.01ml), sperm concentration (2804.70±114.61 vs. 1826.10±77.66 and 2133.50±81.18X106 sperms/ml), sperm motility % (66.60±2.12 vs. 55.38±1.82 and 51.95±1.84), sperm viability % (72.43±2.06 vs. 64.67±1.88 and 51.25±1.89) and HOST % (64.59±2.61 vs. 58.55±1.17 and 47.09±2.11) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively. Interestingly, RIR X local cross had significant lower (p<0.01) partially damaged sperm % (36.96±2.81 vs. 41.84±1.78 and 48.98±1.89) and fully damaged sperm % (14.15±3.39 vs. 26.27±1.93 and 31.25±2.46) than RIR and Punjab Red respectively indicating desirable performance. The fertility rate for RIR X local cross was also found to be higher than Punjab Red and RIR respectively. Sperm traits were significantly positively correlated among groups with high correlation between fertility rate and sperm traits. It can be concluded that the selection of roosters on the basis of sperm function tests for artificial insemination may improve fertility rateand therebymay reduce maintenance costof large number ofcocks. Top Keywords Fertility, Punjab Red, RIR, RIR X Local cross, Semen quality. Top |